In This Issue of
Saving Military History One Soldier at a Time
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September 2020 Issue
Welcome to the beginning of the fall season of 2020. In this issue we bring you photos and history on the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. There are also artifacts of the Glenn Miller Army Air Forces Band, the USO and the Air Transport Command.
Included are photos and pictures of artifacts in our collection featuring those of Ray McKinley, Peter Jenquin and Thurman Holder.
Please read the stories and view the pictures of these items of Americana and US History.
This may be the largest newsletter of text and photos that we have produced to date; we hope to be able to bring you interesting stories and show collection artifacts of this quantity and quantity going forward.
We need your financial support in any denomination. Right now, not being able to provide large audience programs has hampered our ability to raise capital so we can use your assistance. Make a donation today.
During this hiatus we have been devoting a lot of time to working on displays, historical research and adding to our digital offering. We hope that you and your family are well.
Now, a question. What topics or material would you like to see in these monthly newsletters? Drop us an email to let us know!
We continue and will continue to "Save Military History One Soldier at A Time" and preserve the artifacts of your or your families' service. We are honored to be the custodian of this material. Our growing collection of programs are all a result of your support. FYI, we have gone over 500,000 web pages and its still growing!
If you think history matters, please connect with us on Social Media or via our website and even make a donation. Thank you.
You can help us get the word out about our organizations. Please tell all your friends and family and follow our Facebook pages.
Remember those that made the #ultimatesacrifice #sonsofliberty. #patriots
Join us on this journey.
In Their Memory,
Robert Coalter, Jason Weigler
Executive Directors
"Saving Military History One Soldier At A Time".SM
"Saving History One Soldier At A Time"SM
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The End of World War II
V-J Day, the end of the war with Japan, heralded the end of World War II. Victory over Japan Day is celebrated on three days: August 14th and 15th, due to the timing of the Japanese announcement of their surrender (August 15 in Japan) and the differences in time zones with Allied nations (August 14 in the USA). V-J Day is also celebrated in the USA on September 2nd, when Japanese officials signed the legal documents of surrender in a ceremony aboard the US Battleship Missouri in Tokyo Harbor.
The most joyful communications
American radio announced the news of the Japanese surrender at 7:00PM EST, sparking wild celebrations around the nation. US servicemen spent several days “kissing anyone in a skirt”. It is hard to imagine the outpouring of joy and relief, in America and around the world. With many Allied nations at war since September 1939, our parents and grandparents had earned the right to let themselves be swept up in unabashed celebration.
Delivering the bad news
The most difficult part of the Japanese surrender was communicating the news to Japanese garrisons in Korea, Manchuria, China, Southeast Asia, and the bypassed defenders of island bases like Truk and Rabaul. In several cases, the lines of communication had to be re-established with the Emperor’s troops stationed across the Pacific. After contact was made, it was often difficult to get troops not predisposed to surrender to accept the news. Some never heard the news and others did not accept it. Subsequently, Japanese “hold-outs” (either individuals or small groups) were discovered in remote areas until the early 1970s.
Signing the formal surrender
With Allied officials, led by General Douglas MacArthur, looking on, Japanese military and government leaders signed their unconditional Instrument of Surrender on board the battleship Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945. President Truman declared September 2nd to be the official “V-J Day”. World War II was finally over.
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General MacArthur’s message is broadcast around the world from the deck of the USS Missouri, September 2, 1945. |
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Japanese surrender delegation comes aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo harbor. |
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Signing the instrument of surrender: Japanese Foreign Minister Shigemitsu signed for the Japanese government, and General Umezu signed for the Imperial Japanese Armed Forces.
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Japanese surrender ceremonies took place in several locations. Here, Japanese officers turn over their swords in the surrender at Tsingtao, China. |
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A USMC officer accepts the sword of a surrendering Japanese officer at Tsingtao. |
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US and Chinese officers preside over the Japanese surrender in China at Tsingtao. |
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The celebrations begin: downtown Chicago |
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The celebrations begin: New York City |
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Former US POWs celebrate with a “V-J Cake” cut with a Samurai sword |
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Naval Aviation Cadets, WAVES and sailors drink a toast to peace at NAS Glenview, Illinois. |
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US occupation troops move in to a Japanese airfield at Aslito, Japan during October 1945. Most Japanese aircraft would have their propellers removed to discourage any suicide missions after the peace. |
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The original Japanese surrender delegation arrived on the US base on Ie Shima, prior to boarding US transport aircraft to fly on to a meeting with General MacArthur in Manila. The Japanese G4M bombers used as transports were painted bright white overall, with green surrender crosses. |
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The Japanese instrument of surrender Page (1) |
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The Japanese instrument of surrender Page (2) |
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Sons of Liberty Museum
The Sons of Liberty has hundreds of uniforms and thousands of other artifacts in our collection from the U.S. Civil War to Present day. Our web presence now numbers in excess of 325,000 pages. We continue to accept new material for education and research programs; a number of these items will make their way on to the website. Our collection includes memorabilia from the front line soldier to the rear echelon clerk. Drivers, infantrymen, pilots, tankers, seaman, medical, artillery, armorers, engineers, quartermasters and much more. Those that were drafted or volunteered; those that did a single tour or made it a career. Those that returned with all types of injuries and those that gave their full measure being killed in action (KIA). All MOS are welcome from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marines. We are Saving Military History One Soldier At A Time. We are honoring the service of the Citizen Soldier.
#sonsofliberty
This month we want to discuss the morale of the troops. During war times entertainers of musicians, singers and comedians have stepped up to entertain. The above photo is of three members of the Four Jills and a Jeep a USO troupe of Kay Francis, Carole Landis, Martha Raye and Mitzi Mayfair. A movie was made and released in 1944 with the group's name recounting their shows. This photo was taken in England during 1942 at the base occupied by the 301st Bombardment Group.
The Army Air Forces Band led led by Major Glenn Miller was very popular with the men. Glenn Miller reported to the Army Service Command on 8 October 1942 and was soon transferred to the Army Air Forces. He began with organizing a marching band at their headquarters located at Yale University. They started merging blues, jazz and traditional military march songs. Soon they formed the 50-piece Army Air Force Band and embarked for England in the summer of 1944 after D-Day. The band would give in excess of 800 performances often time playing multiple venues during the same day. In the fall of 1944 they recorded a number of records and their music was used in broadcasts by the BBC and Armed Forces Radio. On 15 December 1944, Miller boarded a plane for flight from England to Paris to prepare the venue for a Christmas show. Miller and two companions went down over the English Channel, the plane never found. Deputy leader Tech. Sgt. Jerry Gray led the band on the show on the 25th. Sgt. Ray McKinley one of the two drummers in the group would take over for Miller and the rest of their time in Europe.
The following pictures are of two display cases containing material donated to the Army Air Corps Library and Museum by McKinley's daughter.
Ray McKinley - Glenn Miller
Pictured: Ray McKinley on drums, Glenn Miller on trombone.
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One face is synonymous with the USO. Leslie Townes "Bob" Hope (1903-2003). Already a veteran entertainer, Hope and many others stepped up to entertain the troops in World War II and would continue through Korea and Vietnam and the tradition continues today. |
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A little history and background on the organization find its founding in 1941. President Franklin D. Roosevelt wanted the formation of a group to provide morale and recreation services to U.S. uniformed military personnel.
There were a number of components under the United Service Organizations for National Defense (USO) umbrella. These were Clubs, Mobile and Maneuvers Services, Lounges and Traveler's Aid Services, USO Overseas Service and Camp Shows.
Clubs were established in over 3000 communities in North America and became a "home away from home" for many military personnel and wartime industry workers.
Mobile and Maneuver Services were in support at locations away from population centers across the country. They could be considered "Clubs on Wheels".
The Lounges and Traveler's Aid Services were typically located at bus, railroad or transportation hubs across the country.
Overseas Service Division offered all the functions of the clubs, mobile and travel lounges but were located outside of the continental US. This encompassed Great Britain, Hawaiian Islands, Alaska, Canada, Newfoundland, Bermuda, Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Trinidad, The Panama Canal Zone, Brazil and many more.
The Camp Shows are the most well known and highlighted sections of the USO. These groups consisted of individuals from the entertainment industry. During World War II they performed over 270,000 performances for over 170,000,000 people. There were small and large troupes and performances were stateside and overseas. There were four circuits of Camp Shows. Victory Circuit, Blue Circuit, Foxhole Circuit and Hospital Circuit. Thousands of persons entertained the troops with music and comedy in WW2 including the likes of Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Bette Davis, Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Frank Sinatra, Marlene Dietrich and Danny Kaye.
From the Korean War to Vietnam and even a final 1990 performance during Desert Shield, Bob Hope performed frequently always with a supporting cast that entertained the GIs. Many stars have been in USO shows including Lana Turner, Jill St. John, Hedda Hopper, Jerry Colonna, Erin O'Brien, Jayne Mansfield, Phyllis Diller, Nancy Sinatra, Mickey Rooney, Marilyn Monroe, Joey Heatherton, Tony Romano, Patty Thomas, Dinah Shore, Joan Crawford, Lola Falana, Diahann Carroll, Loretta Lynn and Raquel Welch.
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Volunteers
We need volunteers to transcribe award and roster documents. You will place the material into a spreadsheet where it will be added to our database and website. We welcome new dedicated volunteers to work from home and help us with this project!
Interesting Links & Resources
Donations
We welcome donations of papers, books, photos, gear, uniforms, jackets, medals, ribbons, weapons, equipment, scrapbooks, biographies, diaries and more. Please Contact Us
Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Cold War, Gulf War and current conflict donations accepted. From small to large multi-item donations, they all tell a story.
We need you ! We need your help to further our mission of preserving and bringing this history to you and your families. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit your qualifying donations are tax deductible.
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Army Air Corps Museum
The Air Corps Museum online presence encompasses over 225,000 web pages with thousands of photos and other materials. Our artifact collection contains hundreds of uniforms, albums, logs, medals and more from the Army Air Service, Army Air Forces and U.S. Air Force.
World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Cold War, Gulf War and current conflict donations welcome!
Volunteers
We need volunteers to transcribe documents, placing the material into a spreadsheet. We welcome new dedicated volunteers to help us with this project! Work from home.
Interesting Links & Resources
Donations
We welcome donations of papers, books, photos, gear, uniforms, jackets, medals, ribbons, weapons, equipment, scrapbooks, biographies, diaries, letters and more. Please Contact Us
You can make monetary donations through the following links. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit your qualifying donations are tax deductible.
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Collection Display
Sterling very thin pilot wings, roundel bullion thread patch on felt and a leather Ferry Command patch. Read on for some history on the Ferry Command and Air Transport Command.
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Peter Howard Jenquin
(1919-1996)
A-2 Leather Flight Jacket
Ferry Command & Air Transport Command.
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Following World War II, the Air Transport Command was re-constituted as the Military Air Transport Service of the U.S. Air Force. This newspaper was part of the collection of memorabilia of the Base Commander of MATS, Bermuda, Col. Lloyd Nuttall. |
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Thurman Holder
Display case of artifacts of Thurman Holder, 72nd Air Service Squadron based in the China-Burma-India (CBI) theater during World War II. Upon his return stateside instead of crossing the Pacifc, he came back via Europe/Africa. During his posting and on his return he collected souvenirs of the local money. A number of these bills can be seen below.
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Air Transport Command
The Air Transport Command (ATC) was created 20 June 1942 to be the strategic airlift component of the United States Army Air Forces. Operational from 1942 to 1948, it had two missions, the first being the delivery of supplies and equipment between the US and the overseas combat theaters; the second was the ferrying of aircraft from the manufacturing plants to training fields or operational jump-off locations for overseas movement. ATC also operated a worldwide air transportation system for military personnel.
The Military Air Transport Service (MATS) replaced the ATC in 1948. Redesignations occurred in 1966 as Military Airlift Command (MAC) and then in 1992 as Air Mobility Command.
Before ATC operations the British had been ferrying equipment across the Atlantic under the Lend-Lease Act of 11 March 1941. Major General Henry "Hap" Arnold established the Air Corps Ferrying Command on 29 May 1941 to deliver the lend-lease aircraft overseas to the receiving country. Ferry Command was organized and led by BG Robert Olds. Most pilots were detached from Air Force Combat Command, the formerly named GHQ Air Force, for temporary-duty status and many trained at Barksdale Field, Louisiana in the summer and fall of 1941. Many trained for stateside missions while others for the trans-Atlantic flights.
In its short existence, Ferrying Command grew to over 11,000 officers and enlisted men and delivered (ferried) over 13,000 aircraft to their destinations. Throughout 1941 most overseas flights were to Britain and Cairo, Egypt. Then Pearl Harbor was attacked and a network of long-range transport routes would be needed to bring supplies and passengers to North Africa, Alaska, Australia, India and China as well as a large tonnage increase to Britain.
The Air Transport Command grew out of the Air Service Command which had been transporting tech cargo between stateside depots. As requirements for both the ASC/ATC and Ferry Command increased, General Arnold sought to unify a command for all air transportation services and 1 July 1942 this change took effect.
Air Transport Command was divided into two main divisions, the Air Transportation Division and the Ferrying Division. The new ATC would adopt a similar insignia to the original Ferrying Command but the main exception being the FC gold background was replaced by an entirely white/silver background.
Initially the Douglas C-47 Skytrain was the primary transport aircraft. This was followed by the addition of the C-87 Liberator Express, Curtiss-Wright C-46 Commando and the Douglass C-54 Skymaster.
Major routes of the ATC were the Alaskan, Carribean, Central African, India-China, Mid-Atlantic, North Pacific, North Atlantic, South Pacific, South Atlantic.
Air Transport Command could circumvent the entire globe through these routes delivering men and supplies to critical areas through hazardous conditions helping the Allies win the 'supply war'.
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Preserve This History, Honor the Service, Provide Education For Future Generations. |
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Thank You For Your Support ! |
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Thank You For Your Support ! |
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Unfortunately because of the current events all of our events are cancelled or postponed until further notice. However, we continue to receive donations and work on collection-artifact preservation plus web projects. We look forward to the day when we can get out in the community again. |
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Need a Good Book?
Check out these titles.
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I was a navigator in the 459 Bomb Group 758 Bomb Squadron flying B-24's from Torre Giulia Field, tower named 'Coffee Tower', a gravel airfield near Cerignola, on the Foggia Plains of Southeastern Italy during the period August 4, 1944 to May 16, 1945. I flew 50 combat missions over targets in Germany, Austria, Hungary, Poland, Yugoslavia and Northern Italy.
Project Option: 6×9 in, 15×23 cm
# of Pages: 386
IsbnSoftcover: 9781714032860
Publish Date: Dec 12, 2019
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Most aircraft of World War II had pictures of sexy girls, tributes to sweethearts, songs and home. The planes were fondly referred to in a feminine manor. That was not the case with this B-17 tail number 42-25233. He was Rigor Mortis.
This is the story of Rigor Mortis and his men who flew over 120 missions from North Africa and Italy in 1943 and 1944.
Project Option: 8×10 in, 20×25 cm
# of Pages: 382
IsbnSoftcover: 9781714727803
Publish Date: Apr 20, 2020
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MIAs - Missing in Action
We have information on over 90,000 MIAs. This includes most all the World War II MIAs and some from World War I, Korea, Vietnam and the Cold War.
With our strategic partners, the MIA Recovery Network, we want to tell the last chapter in the life of these Citizen Soldiers.
We would also like your help in telling the first chapters of the lives of those still Missing in Action. Do you have service photos of a family member that is or was MIA? News articles? Service related material?
Material on Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines MIAs:
Air Corps:
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X-Files - Buried Unknowns
There are many citizen soldiers whose body was recovered, but they are unidentified. There are thousands of these unknowns buried in American Battle Monument Cemeteries around the world. They are also known as X-Files.
Material on Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines X-Files can be found:
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Awards, Rosters
Unit Documents
We need you ! A continued big thanks to our fantastic army of volunteers. We have much more so if you can type and have a couple hours each week we can use you !
Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force
We have received material on many units and are hoping to compile much more.
Unit Citations, Awards, Transfers, Rosters
Many groups received unit citations during their particular conflict. The paperwork, in triplicate, would include a roster of all assigned and attached personnel. We are seeking and requesting copies of those roster documents. Please search your papers, talk to your association and help us out with this information and get them to us pronto!
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Attention Website Owners &
Veteran Associations
Many WWII veterans organizations have shut. Many these organizations had developed some type of website, some with enormous amounts of data and history. Sadly, many had/have not made provisions for their website to be continued and thus when the bill stops being paid, the website disappears and all the work and information is lost. We want to help and we need you to help us. If you know of a disbanding group, please have them get in contact with us; we would like to bring their website and information under our wing. If they want to continue to maintain it we can give them access to continue that as well. One of our top goals for this and every year is to preserve this history not lose it!
Not a WW2 unit? That's ok. We are also interested in your history and want to help preserve it. Korea, Vietnam and all other conflicts.
If your organization has physical materials such as uniforms, patches, photos and other memorabilia do you have plans for them when you cease operations? We would be honored to be the custodian of your group's history.
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Contact
Sons of Liberty Museum
Army Air Corps Library and Museum
Directors' Line: 214.957.1393
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